Fun events for everyone in Reno in 2013

ARLINGTON, Texas - Families and friends will have the opportunity to travel together and share the lanes in a variety of fun and exciting events with the United States Bowling Congress Open and Women's Championships both headed to the same host city for the first time in their storied histories.

Both championships will be held in Reno, Nev., and the menu of side events will provide something for bowlers of all skill levels. In addition to the Storm Bowlers Journal Championships presented by USBC, there will be two new side tournaments - the 900 Global Two-Game Challenge and the Who's Got the Look Baker Bonanza presented by 900 Global.

All three side events will be held inside the one-of-a-kind National Bowling Stadium.

The Stadium, in the first phase of a multi-million-dollar renovation and upgrade, will host the Open Championships, while the Women's Championships will be contested on 44 specially-constructed lanes across town at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Here's what's happening along with the USBC Open and Women's Championships in Reno in 2013:

900 Global Showcase LanesThe first phase of upgrades to the Stadium will include 10 new 900 Global Showcase Lanes on the ground floor. The lanes will be an expansion of the popular Showcase Lanes concept USBC introduced during the 2012 Open Championships in Baton Rouge, La.

* Competitors can receive coaching from a USBC-certified coach* Bowlers and their teams can practice on the Open Championships or Women's Championships lane conditions* Showcase Lanes access again will be a highlight of the VIP program* Both 900 Global side events will be held on the Showcase Lanes

900 Global Two-Game ChallengeBowlers looking for some quick fun can compete in this two-game event that puts them against competitors with similar averages. The payouts are more frequent, and the fast format can be used as a warm-up before heading upstairs to bowl in the Open Championships or across town for the Women's Championships.

Who's Got the Look Baker Bonanza presented by 900 GlobalThis yearlong event will put an emphasis on team play and utilize a customized Baker format. Each team will consist of three players, with each bowling three frames. The team then will decide "Who's Got the Look" and that team member will bowl the 10th frame. Each team member must bowl at least one 10th frame.

* Teams will bowl five Baker games* Entry fee is $60 per team* Three divisions: 600 and above; 526-599; 525 and below* Guaranteed first prize of $3,333 in top division, $1,111 in 526-599 division and $777 in 525 and below* Cash ratio of 1:5* Special prize fund for teams consisting of three women

As the presenting sponsor for the two downstairs side events, 900 Global also will have the opportunity to show off its product line. For one hour in the morning (9:30-10:30 a.m.) and one hour each afternoon (1:30-2:30 p.m.) on the 900 Global Showcase Lanes, bowlers will have the chance to learn about and throw the newest 900 Global balls.

"As bowlers, we go to the Open Championships for the competition and the unmatchable environment, and we're looking forward to helping enhance the tournament experience this year with more opportunities to compete while in town," 900 Global's Dave Smart said. "The new side events offer something for everyone, and the unique formats are going to be a lot of fun. Along with the chance to win some prize money, the bowlers really will enjoy themselves."

Storm Bowlers Journal Championships presented by USBCThe Bowlers Journal Championships will be held in conjunction with the Open Championships for the 67th year and literally will be held alongside the world's largest participatory sporting event for the first time, taking place on the high end of the 78-lane Stadium.

The 2013 edition of the Bowlers Journal Championships will feature:

* Lower entry fees* A new three-game format* Extended hours* Traditional and senior singles and doubles competition* Return of the 199 &amp; Under Handicap Singles as well as a new Women's Handicap Doubles* All new Super Senior Singles (for bowlers 60 and older)* Instant Payback and jackpots